Injury Prevention Advocacy

Injuries are a significant problem for Arkansas, especially where children are concerned. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the state, and our infant and child mortality rates are extremely high compared to the rest of the country. Arkansas ranks in the top five states for deaths of children 1-14 years of age and in the top 10 for teenagers 14-18 years of age.

While the number of injuries and deaths vary across the state, every county in Arkansas is impacted by these events. The good news is that many of these injuries and deaths are preventable. Public education, changes in engineering and access to safety devices are a few intervention strategies designed to reduce injuries. Evidenced-based policies that support safer choices are also critical to reduce the number and severity of injuries. By incorporating evidence-based information into policy, we can help ensure all Arkansans, including our children, remain healthy and safe.